Satterwhite signs on to play quarterback for Tabor

RED OAK – James Satterwhite bided his time at Red Oak, waiting for the veteran players ahead of him to graduate so that he could assume the quarterback role for the Hawks.

Now that he’s on the field, he has no intentions of leaving.

Satterwhite, a senior signal caller, signed his letter of intent to play for Tabor College in Kansas last week meaning another few seasons under center are well in order.

“It feels really good to know where you’re going and get everything settled up. It’s a really good feeling,” Satterwhite said. “I like the school. I like the direction of where the school is headed. The coaching staff is real positive down there and the team has a real tight bond. I got a good feeling when I went down there.”

After battling with Travis Wallis as a junior, Satterwhite was forced to play the backup role in 2009. But with Wallis gone, the chance to take the field and lead the team was available for the taking last fall.

With his arm strength, Satterwhite was called on as Red Oak’s passing threat while teammate Claud Person brought a running presence to the position. The duo spent much of the season swapping series depending on what type of play calling the coaches had in mind.

Still, Satterwhite managed to shine when he had the opportunity. He completed 80 passes for 895 yards and seven touchdowns, all team highs. He also ran the ball 46 times for 52 yards with a score.

By signing on with Tabor, Satterwhite becomes the fourth Hawk from the senior class to extend their career. Wide receiver Ishmael Harrison (UTEP), halfback Mandel Dixon (Pittsburgh State) and linebacker Jason Bethel (SAGU) will all play at the collegiate level this fall.

Despite not making the playoffs for the first time in almost five years, Red Oak coach Mike Shields was still thrilled to see his program continue to produce quality talent college programs are interested in.

“The more that we can get kids out there it’s good for our program. I’m proud of them and the opportunity that they have to go on and still be playing and getting a higher education,” Shields said.

For Satterwhite, the journey to playing time in college is one he is ready to attack head-on.

When deciding on what school to go to, Satterwhite debated long and hard about the challenges he would face along the way. Tabor not only presented a good educational opportunity but the chance to contend for playing time early on in his career.

While nothing is guaranteed, Satterwhite is prepared to do whatever it takes to make an impression.

“The quarterback actually graduated last year so I’ll be able to compete for a starting spot. I’m just going to see what can happen,” Satterwhite said.